A significant police operation in Brazil led to the discovery of a clandestine refinery in Águaí, São Paulo, where thieves, known to 'surf' on trains, had refined and packaged at least 15 tons of sugar. Initially sourced for asphalt production, this sugar was being processed and marketed, raising concerns about its potential sale as consumable product. The police have launched a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the sugar's final use.

The operation, named 'Ouro Branco,' involved 29 police officers and resulted in the arrest of four suspects tied to this criminal organization. Investigators revealed that this group primarily targeted cargoes of commodities along transportation routes from the interior of São Paulo to the Porto de Santos, with a notable increase in theft incidents since 2023, culminating in significant financial losses.

These findings indicate a worrying trend of organized crime linked to freight transport in Brazil, where valuable goods are increasingly vulnerable. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to ascertain the full extent of the syndicate's operations and to prevent further illicit activities in the region, while also ensuring public safety regarding the potentially compromised sugar being sold.